If you have kids you can spend hours finding interesting things to look at under a
stereo microscope. Our most recent microscope analysis involved a pen with a rope attached to it.
![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-th2tYdpGmR8/UJGd2zt62GI/AAAAAAAABBY/GMyM1binrEE/s280/string.jpg) |
Pen you can wear around your neck. |
![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuG111J0n8o/UJGejMRFdVI/AAAAAAAABBg/HFS3F-iUJfs/s280/Red-Strings-20x.jpg) |
20x Magnification |
![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFzAk0nfx0Y/UJGeth3N0yI/AAAAAAAABBo/6MU6m2JG1Kg/s280/Red-Strings-40x.jpg) |
40x Magnification |
![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/---fTjlEUgOk/UJGe1hgA-gI/AAAAAAAABBw/IqhqJmDqKSc/s280/Red-Strings-60x.jpg) |
60x Magnification |
![](//3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytVdef8AzoA/UJGfEJI3UfI/AAAAAAAABB4/UZcyMhChlqY/s280/Red-Strings-80x.jpg) |
80x Magnification |
Notice how as the magnification increases, the field of view decreases. The image also becomes a bit darker. (Light becomes more important at the higher magnifications!) The items you can find around your house to place under a stereo microscope are endless. If you own a stereo microscope, have your kids gather some everyday household items and take a look at them under the microscope - it can provide hours of entertainment! Microscopes make great holiday gifts - consider giving one to your child or grandchild this season.